January courses, service are passports to new horizons

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. – Saint Augustine

Manchester University has a long tradition of encouraging its students to stretch their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of how the world works. To that end, 134 students got off campus this January session for lessons and opportunities to serve that will linger for a lifetime.

They explored Italy, seeing great works of art and architecture in context. They were living and working with physicians, dentists and pharmacists who serve at a clinic in rural Nicaragua. They flew to courses in Australia, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Greece. They dove into social psychology at Disney World and ecological experiential learning opportunities in south Florida and Andros Island in the Bahamas.

Junior Kalie Ammons, of Roann, Ind., had never been on a plane before, and she chose Italy for her first time off the continent.

“I knew I wanted to study abroad at some point in my college career,” she said. “I love seeing new things.”

Beforehand, there were tips about packing (don’t take more than you can carry across campus and up and down stairs) and how to dress (dark clothes and comfortable shoes).

An English major, she was looking forward to the intensive travel course, especially visiting the city of Pompeii, which was buried – and much of its history preserved – under a deep blanket ash by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Emily Pleadwell, for example, is returning to Interval House in California to assist with its main annual fundraiser. It runs crisis shelters and centers for victims of domestic violence.

A junior majoring in English from Lawrence, Mich., she spent a summer volunteering there through the Pathways program and was asked to return this winter to work on the project.

"I'm going to go back and work for them again this summer to complete my required TESOL practicum," she said. "They serve clients in over 72 languages, so there are a multitude of clients who might enjoy the benefits of such a class."

Meanwhile, back home in Indiana, the short January session offers dozens of classes, plus internships and online courses.

Students enrolled in the January session course Aging: Health and Wellness course go to Timbercrest Senior Living Center and participate in a service-learning experience.

Each morning the students exercise with “Friends of Manchester.” Following the morning exercise, each student interviews a “Friend” with questions related to a chapter they are discussing in class, such as physical activity, health care and medications.

The “Friends” are professor emeriti, alumni and supporters of the University.

Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers more than 60 areas of academic study to nearly 1,500 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Athletic Training and a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu.